DAVID Bentley insists England cannot afford to use Moscow's artificial pitch as an excuse for failure in tomorrow's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier.

The Blackburn Rovers midfielder will be hoping to his muscle his way into Steve McClaren's starting line-up when the Three Lions face rivals Russia.

His chances are limited, however, with England's head coach expected to once again select in-form Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips on the right flank.

But while Bentley waits patiently for his first international start at senior level, the 23-year-old admits there is enough talent in the England squad to overcome Russia, and their awkward pitch, to book their Euro 2008 finals spot.

Victory in the Russian capital will be enough for England to qualify for next year's tournament, held jointly by Austria and Switzerland.

And McClaren's men yesterday prepared thoroughly for a tough test on the Luzhniki Stadium's artificial pitch by training on an exact replaca in Altrincham.

But Bentley believes the pitch is not an issue, and says England will adapt quickly to playing on an alternative to grass.

The former Arsenal wideman has his own experience of playing on artificial turf, having been part of the Rovers team that drew 2-2 in last season's UEFA Cup tie at Red Bull Salzburg, who use that surface at their Wals Siezenheim Stadium.

"It is different playing on an artificial pitch but you enjoy it," explained Bentley.

"You are testing yourself to see if you can cope. So of course we cannot use that as an excuse if it does not work out. Football is football.

"If we got out there and perform in the way we can with the confidence that is in the team at the moment, we should be fine.

"Better players should be better on all surfaces."

He added: "Russia over there will be a difficult game but I believe we have the character and the players to win.

"If you enjoy your football and express your freedom it will come across in the results.

"I believe England have got that at the minute and am confident that will be enough."

And Bentley's confidence in England extends to the point that he believes they can beat the best sides in the world.

"We have great strikers, great midfielders and great defenders," he said.

"On paper, we are the best in the world. There's only Argentina you could say maybe could challenge us but they have not got the defence we have.

"It is just about us believing in each other."

England go into the crucial match five points ahead of Russia but having played one more game than their Group E opponents.

A win in Moscow will be enough to see England qualify for Euro 2008, while a draw would mean they need only a point from their final home game with Croatia in November.

But Bentley's Rovers team-mate Brett Emerton has fired a warning shot to the Three Lions, insisting that if anybody can mastermind their downfall, it is Russian coach Guus Hiddink.

Emerton worked with Hiddink at close quarters when the tactically astute Dutchman led Australia to the 2006 World Cup finals.

"He is probably one of the best coaches in the world, if not the best," said Emerton. "If anyone can help Russia overcome England it's probably him."